Tools and setups for experiments with AC and rotating magnetic fields

• Published in: European journal of physics Vol. 31; no. 5; pp. 1255 - 1266
• Main Author: Ponikvar, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 01.09.2010; Institute of Physics Publishing; Institute of Physics
• Subjects: College Science; Communication, education, history, and philosophy; Computer programs; Computer Software; Electromagnetism; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; General physics; High Schools; Magnetic fields; Magnets; Personal computers; Physics; Physics literature and publications; Power supplies; Rotating; Science Experiments; Science Instruction; Secondary School Science; Software; Surveys and tutorial papers, resource letters; Teaching Methods; Transformations; Undergraduate Study; High field; Rotating field; Higher education; Magnetic fields; Physics
• ISSN: 0143-0807; 1361-6404
• DOI: 10.1088/0143-0807/31/5/025

A rotating magnetic field is the basis for the transformation of electrical energy to mechanical energy. School experiments on the rotating magnetic field are rare since they require the use of specially prepared mechanical setups and/or relatively large, three-phase power supplies to achieve strong magnetic fields. This paper proposes several experiments and describes setups and tools which are easy to obtain and work with. Free software is offered to generate the required signals by a personal computer. The experiments can be implemented in introductory physics courses on electromagnetism for undergraduates or specialized courses at high schools. (Contains 17 figures.)